Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » recumbent bike

Recumbent Exercise Bike Review | Schwinn 240 Low Impact Home Cardio Cycle

Steve — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:02:14 +0000

An upgrade to the bestselling 220 and 230 models, the Schwinn 240 is a feature-rich, high-quality recumbent bike with among the highest consumer satisfaction ratings we’ve seen in a stationary exercise bike.

The Schwinn 240 is an uncommonly quiet recumbent bike with a compact design, smooth, comfortable ride and a perimeter weighted flywheel simulating the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike.

Features include a 20-pound flywheel, 16 resistance levels, 17 programs, adjustable seat, and both telemetry and contact heart rate monitoring. Schwinn Advantage workout tracking lets you easily set fitness goals and measure your progress right on the console.

This is a sturdy, well-built piece of equipment that’s not easy to move from room to room — choose your workout spot before unpacking and assembling. Assembly will take about two hours.

Another minor criticism is that the written instructions are not very detailed and programming the various functions may require some guess work.

A recumbent bike of this quality is a good investment for those with with back problems and other conditions that require comfort and a padded ergonomic seat with lumbar support.

Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike Product Features

Recumbent home exercise bike with 16 resistance levels and 20-pound flywheel
17 workout programs, including 8 course profiles, target heart rate, 2 user profiles with custom workouts
Telemetry-enabled, integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
300-pound maximum user weight; 5-year warranty on frame, 1 year on parts and electronics
BioFit Comfort Seating system with padded ergonomic seat and dual-position lumbar support
Perimeter weighted flywheel for a true road feel, and smooth, consistent workouts
Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform
Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
Adjustable handlebars and console
Backlit, multi-color console for easy viewing
Water bottle holder and reading rack
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds

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2010 Exercise Bike Best Buy | Nautilus (Bowflex) R514 Recumbent Bike Review

Steve — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:13:42 +0000

The Nautilus R514 offers a rare combination of quality construction, unique features and affordability from a trusted brand. It’s our Recumbent Bike Best Buy for 2010.

The R514 features a biomechanically-correct design, extra comfort features, enhanced programming, and an integrated Polar heart rate monitoring system.

Recumbent bikes are designed to ease strain on the back with ergonomic seat positioning. The R514 includes adjustable lumbar support for added comfort.

The convenient step-through design makes it easy to get on and off the bike, the seat is well-padded, comfortable, and easily slides forward or backwards to suit users of multiple heights.

Like most Nautilus equipment, the R514 Recumbent is solid and well-built. There are 16 levels of resistance available on a hefty 20-pound flywheel and the electronically controlled magnetic resistance provides a smooth and efficient workout.

The blue backlit LCD console is relatively complicated but includes more features than most will ever use. There are 7 profile courses, 2 programmable user profiles and 20 total programs to track your progress and compete against yourself.

There are 4 Polar heart rate monitoring programs, with telemetry, grip and chest belt (included). Polar is unquestionably the premier heart rate monitoring brand and makes a perfect complement to this well-engineered, feature rich recumbent bike.

Although marketed as “compact” this is not a small piece of equipment — it measures 67 x 25 x 52 inches (L x W x H), so plan your workout space before purchase.

Assembly takes 1-2 hours but the instructions are clear and straight-forward. There are some addenda to the assembly instructions printed on separate sheets. We recommend downloading the most updated assembly instructions.

Nutilus R514 Recumbent Bike Product Features

Feature-rich recumbent exercise bike
16 resistance levels and 20-pound flywheel
Blue backlit LCD display with an easy to read console
7 profile courses, 2 programmable user profiles, 20 total programs
4 Polar heart rate programs, with telemetry, grip and chest belt
Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
Multi-point seat and console adjustments
Oversized deluxe pedals
Powerful fan and built-in storage basket
300-pound maximum user weight
10-year warranty on frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics

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Stamina 4545 Magnetic Fusion Stationary Recumbent Bike | Low-Impact Aerobic Home Exercise

Steve — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:28:13 +0000

When compared to traditional upright stationary bikes, the reclined position of a recumbent offers more comfort and ergonomic back support while reducing strain on the arms, back and neck.

Stamina Fusion bikes represent a new category of exercise bike that combines the conventional feel of an upright with the comfort a recumbent.

The Stamina 4545 is smooth and quiet and focuses on comfort with a plush, oversized seat and seatback, oversized pedals and a walk-thru design. The seat slides at a 45 degree angle so your feet, legs, and hips are aligned correctly.

The oversized monitor is easy to read with one button control and tracks speed, distance, time, calories and pulse rate. The pulse sensors are built into the handrails. The computer retains settings from the previous workout session.

While the Stamina 4545 does not compare to top of the line recumbent bikes, it’s sturdy and reliable and the price is significantly lower than similar units offering the same features.

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Diamondback Fitness 500Sr Step-Thru Recumbent | Comfortable Entry Level Exercise Bike

Steve — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:03:59 +0000

We gave a positive review to the Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike and wanted to see what their lower-end recumbent has to offer. Priced at about about $150 less than the 900Sr, the 500Sr is an entry-level option, but falls near the top range of that category.

In general, recumbent exercise bikes are easier on the back and neck than upright bikes. As with the 900Sr model, the 500Sr puts additional emphasis on stability and comfort with an extra wide seat and molded backrest.

The 500Sr offers a stable, if not silky smooth, ride using the popular eddy current resistance system. There are 16 available levels of resistance for flexibility and to suit varied fitness levels.

The console includes all the basics — time, pulse, calories burned, RPM, speed and distance. The workout programs are bland but do include a relatively unique custom trainer option that allows you to create new challenges and stay motivated when other programs have become routine or boring. Heart rate is monitored through pulse sensors in the hand grips.

Unlike some models in this price range the 500Sr is outfitted with built-in speakers compatible with iPods and MP3 players. It also includes an accessory holder and a sub-par fan. Weight capacity is 275 pounds and the bike weighs 119 pounds.

The Diamondback Fitness 500Sr cannot emulate the experience of riding a high-end bike at the gym, but it’s an affordable home option from a trusted manufacturer.

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Click here for the Diamondback Fitness 500Sr Step-Thru Recumbent on Amazon
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Diamondback Recumbent Bikes on eBay

Diamondback HRT 1000R Recumbent Exercise Bike PROFESSIONAL GRADE
US $349.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 17:29:05 PST
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Recumbent Bike Diamondback 900SR
US $150.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 16:42:02 PST
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Ironman Viper Recumbent Fitness Exercise Bike | Stationary Bicycle with Comfortable Ergonomic Seat

Steve — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:47:03 +0000

Ironman is well known for their very popular Gravity Inversion Tables designed to relieve back stress and improve overall health. They also produce a solid line of exercise bikes, ellipticals and treadmills. The Viper Recumbent Bike has received mixed reviews — but most of what it sets out to accomplish it does so very well.

IronMan has incorporated a modern aesthetic and impressive sense of style into the Viper. See the video below to appreciate the cool factor.

The innovative ergonomic, breathable meshback seat is adjustable both in height and distance from the pedals on an angled aluminum slide rail. The step-through frame design makes it easy to get in and out between workouts. The belt-drive system, large 20-pound flywheel and friction-free magnetic resistance system combine for an uncommonly quiet and smooth ride.

The Viper’s attractive 7-window multi-color LED display provides a huge array of data. There are 18 programs to help vary your workouts in addition to tracking your time, speed, distance, RPM, resistance, calories expended and pulse rate. You can also store up to four user profiles with details on gender, age, height, and weight.

Heart rate monitoring is continuous using the EKG grips on either the seat frame handles or the console. The recovery feature then determines your fitness level by monitoring heart rate response and assigns a score — very poor, poor, fair, average, good, and excellent.

Assembly is straight forward but an involved process; expect to devote 2-4 hours. The Viper offers a 300-pound weight capacity, measures 24″ x 50″ 55″ and weighs 149 pounds.

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Ironman Viper Recumbent Bike Video Demonstration

Lifecore Fitness LC-800RB Recumbent Exercise Bike | Magnetic Resistance & Compact Design

Steve — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:13:50 +0000

Lifecore Fitness is relatively new to the exercise equipment market but has made quite an impression during their short run. The Lifecore LC-800RB Recumbent Bike is a step down from the award winning LC-900 model, reviewed here. Priced at aboout 30% less, it’s built around the same unusually compact frame but with less luxury features.

The LC-800 model does not include the high quality, lumbar supported seat that distinguishes the LC-900 model. But the ride is comfortable on a padded, high seat back, resting on an easily adjustable sliding seat track.

The computer is fairly basic, with an intuitive console that displays 12 preset programs, 4 heart rate programs, and 16 resistance levels. The motorized resistance system delivers smooth, natural pedaling performance.

We want to emphasize the small footprint of the Lifecore recumbent bikes; at about 1 foot shorter than the average recumbent, these bikes are perfect for small apartments, dens and other space restricted areas. Putting the bike together requires installing only a few parts and the assembled bike is quiet and sturdy.

This is solid and comfortable recumbent bike available at a very reasonable price, less than most annual gym memberships.

Lifecore Fitness also manufactures a nice line of dumbbells, ellipticals, rowing machines and benches.

Lifecore Fitness LC-800RB Recumbent Bike Product Details

Built on the same 44″ frame as the award winning LC- 900
5 inch pedal spacing reduces joint stress
Motorized magnetic resistance
Low-profile LED console with scan mode tracks time, distance, speed, calories and pulse
12 preset programs, 4 HRC programs, and 16 resistance levels
Contact hear rate sensors
Infinitely adjustable slide-seat-track
Poly-V Flexonic drive belt will not stretch over time
User weight capacity: 300 lbs
Measures just 24″ x 42″ x 44″

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Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike | Indoor Bicycle Luxury and Comfort

Steve — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:14:47 +0000

This is our first look at Diamondback, a respected manufacturer of institutional and home cardio equipment for over 30 years. So what does the 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike have to offer?

The most distinguishing asset of this bike is the Comfort-Plus extra-wide seat. This is an excellent feature for riders with back problems who can’t tolerate an upright bike position, or for those who just want extra support and comfort. The high-tech, ergonomic mesh seatback includes lumbar support and quick height adjustment.

The step-thru design makes it easy to mount the bike and the self-leveling foot pedals include adjustable straps for extra stability.

The efficient eddy current brake system provides up to 16 levels of resistance making it easy to find the ideal level for your needs.

Program types include manual, random, fat-burning intervals, fitness test, glute max hill climb, strength, target heart rate, heart rate intervals, and custom trainer. The blue backlit alphanumeric LCD console displays time, pulse, calories, intensity level, RPM, speed, distance, and watts.

Other features include a plug-in jack for MP3 players, contact pulse sensors in the hand grips for reading heart rate, and a Polar-compatible wireless heart rate receiver.

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Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Exercise Bike | Quiet, Low Impact Home Fitness

Steve — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:27:13 +0000

The sheer number of exercise bikes now on the market can make choosing between style, manufacturer, quality level and price range a daunting task.

The Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Bike is not what you’d expect to see in a commercial gym, but the solid design, respected brand and essential features make it a good choice for those on a budget looking for an effective cardio workout.

The bike is easy to assemble, sturdy, quickly adjustable and does not take up much space. The belt drive system delivers a quiet and smooth ride and the electronics are not difficult to program. The LCD display is not bright and oversized, which helps keep the price down, but the numbers are crisp and easy to read.

The Schwinn Active 20 offers a wide range of available resistance levels but each step is relatively large compared to more expensive bikes that allow you to ramp up the difficulty more gradually. Very tall users may find the pedals too close for a comfortable workout motion, even with the seat adjusted all the way back. If you’re over 6’4″ we recommend testing out any exercise bike in a sporting goods store before purchase.

Recumbent bikes offer better ergonomic back support and create less pressure on the neck and shoulders than traditional upright bikes. They provide low impact, calorie burning workouts while allowing you to comfortably read, watch TV or even play video games.

Recumbent home exercise bike for cardiovascular fitness and lower body strength
Programs include 1 manual, 6 preset, 3 heart rate control and 1 target heart rate
ECB (eddy current brake) magnetic resistance offers 8 levels of difficulty
Grip rate sensors monitor heart rate
Padded seat and transport wheels for easy movement and storage
Integrated leveling feet for enhanced stability and floor protection
275-pound maximum user weight
58 pounds, 58.5″ x 26″ x 36″

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Phoenix 99608 Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike | Silent, Comfortable, Magnetic Stationary Bicycle

Steve — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 03:29:22 +0000

While traditional exercise equipment has seen increasing competition from trendy new fitness products, a simple exercise bike will always be a popular option for the home user. Here’s yet another affordable, no frills piece of equipment that does exactly as advertised, without breaking the bank. The Phoenix 99608 Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike gives you a solid cardiovascular workout using nearly noiseless magnetic resonance technology.

The 8 resistance levels are easily adjusted using a unique hand dial. The sturdy tubular frame adjusts to different lengths for users of differing heights. The range of adjustment is wide but it’s possible that a person with very short legs may not comfortably reach the pedals even at the closest setting.

Putting together this bike is a breeze, taking about 30 minutes, and the assembled machine will fit in any small room. The electronics are not as advanced as gym-quality machines but they give you all the essentials. The large easy-to-read monitor delivers time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

It’s hard to go wrong with a well-designed recumbent bike and we think this one is an excellent value for the price. The Phoenix 99608 Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is a nice option for novice and intermediate riders who want a simple, effective workout.

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Marcy Recumbent Stationary Magnetic Bike | Compact, Quiet, Aesthetically Pleasing Exercise Machine

Steve — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:43:24 +0000

To help those who can’t afford high-end fitness equipment we like to point out the best no frills, simple machines that are affordable yet effective. The Marcy Recumbent Magnetic Bike is ideal for those who just need a solid cardio workout on an attractive piece of equipment without too many bells and whistles.

This compact, sleek recumbent bike is perfect for apartments or tight spaces and the small footprint and transport wheels make it easy to move between rooms. Like other Marcy products it features a stylish silver and blue, streamlined modern design that will not be an eyesore or detract from a living space.

Key features include a simple to read digital panel that provides stats on speed, time, distance and calories spent. The adjustable seat and back pad, step through frame design and adjustable foot straps make for a comfortable workout experience. The magnetic resistance technology creates a quiet, smooth ride. Exercising in a recumbent or reclined position gives you full ergonomic back support without causing strain on the neck, arms and shoulders.

The Marcy Recumbent Magnetic Bike is a solid choice for those averse to spending too much time assembling a cumbersome machine and just need an good home workout with all the aerobic benefits of cycling outdoors.

For higher end options with more features take a look at these reviews:

Marcy Recumbent Stationary Magnetic Bike Product Details

Magnetic resistance technology
Eight levels of adjustable resistance
Easy to read console display and oversized numbers
Tracks speed, distance traveled, time and calories burned
Durable construction and powder coated finish
Step through frame design
Adjustable, comfortable foam vinyl seat and back pad
Counter balanced pedals with adjustable foot straps
Transport wheels for easy placement
Dimensions: 43.5″ x 27″ x 38.25″
300 lb weight capacity